Thinking about moving to Akron (Cleveland, Canton: environment, property taxes, tornado)

[vagabundo]

I am a professional and recently received a job offer with a company in Akron. I have been reading some reviews but there is not much of info about that specific place other than golf courses. Also I read one about OH in general specifying only the bad things (high crime areas, pollution, high property taxes, too cold most of the year, poor education). What wondered me is that most of the people that replied to it agreed with the thread originator. Does all that apply to Akron as well? Can I have som inputs?

[bubbagirl]

Originally Posted by vagabundo

I am a professional and recently received a job offer with a company in Akron. I have been reading some reviews but there is not much of info about that specific place other than golf courses. Also I read one about OH in general specifying only the bad things (high crime areas, pollution, high property taxes, too cold most of the year, poor education). What wondered me is that most of the people that replied to it agreed with the thread originator. Does all that apply to Akron as well? Can I have som inputs?

Take every negative comment with a grain of salt.

There are many golf courses, many metro parks, and the area is very scenic. \
There is some crime, but it mostly seems to revolve around parties familiar with each other. Crime is not that overwhelming, and I certainly don't see it or hear about it in the smaller suburban towns.

Pollution is a problem for the state, but I do know that the realization that changes have to be made has come and steps will be taken to better treat the environment. Honestly, though... I have not noticed a huge difference on Ohio from the likes of Michigan, but that could be because I don't get out much. The environment in Ohio was neglected far too long, but at least folks have started waking up to make changes.

Property taxes are specific to the school district and what levis are in place. High taxes compared to what? The tax rates I have seen have been cheaper than what I have personally seen and paid in Michigan, but they are probably higher than WV. It depends on your perspective of what is considered "high."

Education is excellent in *most* areas. Avoid the larger city schools, such as Cleveland, Akron, or Canton, but the suburban schools have all shown to offer quality education. Everywhere I go people are telling me where their particular school system ranks with the state with a look of pride.

Weather is typical midwestern climate. It is not nearly as cold as seen in it's northern counterparts of MI or MN, but it certainly isn't 60* in January either. There is lake effect snow coming off Lake Erie. I do not know how far inland it comes yet, but I would expect to see more significan snowfall than other areas of the state. Yes, there are cloudy days... and cloudy days can be depressing during the winter. But, that is a *typical* midwest climate. You will have 4 seasons, you will have to own seasonal apparel, and you will have hot, humid summers - that usually lasts 10-30 days at the peak of muggy. That is just what to expect. But, as a trade off... you don't have frequent tornados, earthquakes, shortage of drinking water, roaches that rival family pets, or pump the AC for Christmas.

I have only been in the area just shy of 2 months. I really like it here. It is different from where I have been all my life.... the stress levels seem lower, quality of life simplier and more apparent, and overall an affordable cost of living. Akron is not "booming" by any means, but the city seems to at least be holding it together during more depressed times. Worst case scenerio.... come out and take a look around.

[vagabundo]

Thanks for the very good reply. I will be visiting the city in two weeks. Let see how it goes.

[materbum]

I live about 15 minutes south of Akron and I like the area well enough. Compared to the north central part of the state, this area is much prettier, imo. There is a little more roll to the land and the falls of the different areas are really nice. I feel safer in Akron than I ever did in Cleveland. If you have kids, there are parks, nice ones, in every direction. The only thing I don't like is my particular suburb, which isn't very family-friendly oriented in our little area. But everything is convenient and safe.

I do hate the weather, though. After living in nw VA for 7 years, I'm really spoiled, and it has been a hard adjustment coming back to 6-7 months of gray, cold skies.

HTH!